OPENING UP BACK COUNTRY.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13728, 17 March 1915, Page 1 (Supplement)

OPENING UP BACK COUNTRY.

—«. LOCAL BODIES TAKE ACTION.

(From ''The Colonist," .March 3.) A deputation, consisting of Hesters. AY. Lock (Mayor), J. Robertson (City Council), T. A. H. Field M.P., and F. I. Ledger (Chamber of Commerce), waited upon the Harbour Board yesterday in regard to a proposal to open up a large tract of land at the. head of •the Pelorus Valley. The idea, which emanated from Mr. Bishop, a member of the Harbour Board, was explained by tho chairman (Mr. Duncan), who suggested tliat a joint committee might visit the locality. He understood that if the land was suitable for grazing | purposes, it would be a great benefit ,to the district if opened up. Mr. Ledger produced a plan of the locality, and suggested that full information could be obtained from the Commissioner of Crown Lands, who 3iad had surveyors in the area lastyear. Mr. Snodgrass said he had been informed by the Commissioner of Crown Lands that there was some very good land in the area, which was very inaccessible, but the best on the land was on the eastern bank of the Pelorus river, which was in the Marlborough district. Mr. Field, M.P., said he had seen the area in question, and believed that it would be quite inaccessible from the Nelson side. Mr. Bell said that he could tell from the bush that the area contained some very good country. The Mayor moved that the Commissioner of Crown Lnnds be asked to furnish a report on the area. Mr. Macmahon seconded the motion. Even if Nelson did not benefit it would be in the best interests of the country to have the area opened up. The motion was carried. The chairman thanked the deputation, which then withdrew.